Water rationing ends for Honiara residents

Water should be fully restored for Honiara residents this week. Solomon Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Ian Gooden says there is a significant change to water levels at the Kongulai source and they expect water to be fully restored by early this week. Gooden says if the water level continues to remain the same, Solomon Water will phase out the water rationing program. Tavuli News understands that illegal and unmanned logging activities upstream in the Kongulai water catchment area continues to be another challenge and contributing factor to the problems faced by Solomon Water. “Our team is continuing to monitor water levels at the Kongulai source and we are confident water flows will continue to increase in coming weeks. We are continuing to work with landowners and responsible authorities to ensure the full recovery of water levels at Kongulai, and we again appeal to Government to assist in resolving long outstanding issues with the water catchment areas,” Mr. Gooden added. Flows at the Kongulai water source are slowly recovering following months of severe water shortage experience at the source. “We continue to call on the public to support Solomon Water, to always use water wisely and store water as it may take some time before the system fully recovers. We further ask customers to report water leaks and theft as we continue to work to minimise water losses or wastage”, Gooden said. “Solomon Water acknowledges the patience and the support from customers during the hardship we experienced. For any customers that have not had their water supply restored by the end of Monday, kindly contact our customer services team on 44700 as there could be an airlock in the pipes or a closed valve – please do not alter Solomon Water valves or equipment,” the CEO said.